While offers of support are certainly welcome, the Philippine government and its regional partners are able to handle the threat of extremist terror groups without the help of western countries such as the US and Australia, said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella.
A girl gestures by covering her face as she watched their store selling fresh bananas near a military checkpoint in Barangay Pawak, Saguiran, Lanao del Sur, on Thursday, June 22. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
Unless the historical injustices done to the Moro people is addressed through joint efforts by the government and other sectors, the issue will continue to be exploited and used by radicals and extremists to persuade other Moros, especially the youth to join their ranks.
Tight security is being implemented inside the Provincial Capitol of Lanao del Sur in Marawi City following reports of threats from militants. In the past days, stray bullets also hit visitors in the capitol’s compound. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
Various progressive groups here protested in front of the Commission of Human Rights XI on Friday, June 23, slamming the claim of CHR that no violation of human rights was recorded a month after President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.
Progressive groups in Davao City appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to lift Martial Law in Mindanao because of the rise of human rights violations. Activists protested in front of the office of the Commission of Human Rights XI on Friday, June 23, a month after Duterte declared Martial Law. (Robby Joy D. Salveron/davaotoday.com)
Thunderous bomb explosions, rapid gun fires and the roars of fighter planes and choppers marked the 31st day since terrorists from the so-called Maute group attacked this city.
There is a grave humanitarian crisis in Mindanao. The mission notes a total of 325,294 IDPs in Mindanao, a big portion of which are in home-based and evacuation-center based in Lanao del Sur, and a smaller portion in Maguindanao and Davao del Sur.
But it’s different for Limba Luge, 57, who, after 31 days of fighting, still refused to abandon her house and a little store.
Another casualty was hit by a stray bullet inside the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol in Marawi City on Wednesday afternoon.